In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by former judge, legal analyst, and former Court TV anchor Ashley Willcott to discuss her decades-long career advocating for children in the legal system, her transition from the bench to television, and her new microformat focusing on fast, fact-based case analysis. Sheryl and Ashley also reflect on cases they have carried with them over the years including Abby and Libby in Delphi and Melissa Wolfenbarger in Atlanta. They emphasize the importance of showing up, returning to the facts, and continuing the work on behalf of victims and families. The episode closes with a tribute to the late Captain Dr. Duanne Thompson, honoring his legacy of quiet loyalty, humility, and lifelong commitment to service.

Highlights:

(0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Ashley Willcott to Zone 7

(1:45) Court TV’s transition, Law & Crime, and the importance of cameras in the courtroom

(3:30) The emotional toll of child cases on professionals

(4:30) Ashley explains why child welfare became the focus of her legal career

(7:15) Sheryl reflects on Ashley’s hands-on work with the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute

(9:15) Why showing up, knowing your strengths, and doing the legwork can change case outcomes

(11:15) Facts vs. opinions: Ashley explains how judges must separate evidence from assumptions

(13:45) Ashley’s new 60-second legal updates and the need for fast, fact-based case analysis

(19:30) From the bench to television Ashley’s path through child advocacy, Law & Crime, and Court TV

(23:00) “Surround yourself with good”: Ashley and Sheryl discuss learning from people who make you better

(25:15) The Delphi case, Abby and Libby, and why going to the scene can change how a case is understood

(27:45) Melissa Wolfenbarger, returning to square one, and the importance of boots-on-the-ground cold case work

(29:15) Remembering Dr. Henry Lee and the unexpected lesson that took over a crime convention classroom

(31:00) Sheryl and Ashley honor Captain Dr. Duanne Thompson and his lifelong commitment to service

(35:30) Sheryl shares the story of Duanne sitting in her mother-in-law’s driveway night after night

(38:00) Final reflections and Sheryl’s closing quote from Captain Dr. Duanne Thompson: “You know where to find me.”

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Ashley Willcott is a former judge, trial attorney, mediator, and Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist with more than 20 years of experience advocating for children in the legal system. She previously served as the Governor-appointed Child Advocate for the state of Georgia before transitioning to television, becoming a trusted legal analyst and anchor known for her work with Court TV and Law & Crime. She also serves as an expert with the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute.

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.

Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.

Social Links:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum

Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint

River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.

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